Straight from city council A personal view, by Councillor Steve Morris

Driving through small towns in New Zealand you'll notice they all have war memorials commemorating local men who gave their lives for our freedom. Papamoa resident and ex-serviceman Mick O'Carroll approached me last year asking why we don't have a place for Papamoa locals to gather and pay their respects.

Kaitieke with a population of less than 100 has one; Papamoa, population 26,000, doesn't. Mick and I approached the Mount RSA seeking their support and I'm delighted that the executive has given their blessing and agreed to take on the project and ongoing maintenance of a future memorial.

I contacted the board of Papamoa iwi, Nga Potiki, who are also enthusiastic and keen to acknowledge the large number of Nga Potiki men who volunteered in both wars. Then I asked my council colleagues if they would support the use of public land at the Papamoa Domain for this purpose and they wholeheartedly agreed; especially when I told them no ratepayer funding is sought! The $18,000 project will be entirely funded through donations.

Mike Burrows from Burrows Concrete has generously donated his time and materials to build the foundation and plinth; he's also pledged the first significant cash donation for the granite spire. The ambition is to dedicate the memorial at 11am on November 11 this year; 100 years since the World War I armistice. At the time of writing, an account is being set up tomorrow. If you'd like to contribute please email: steve.morris@tauranga.govt.nz or phone: 021 519941.